7 DIY Disney Inspired Crafts Worth Doing

Aren’t these DIY Disney magnets cool? You could create your own Disney vacation countdown on the fridge and use these magnets to keep the theme going.

Do you have a big Monster’s Inc. fan? This DIY Mike Wasowski shirt is easy peasy for your next trip to Disney. You could design your own tees and surprise the kiddos when you get to your Disney destination!

Star Wars fan in your household? These DIY Start Wars silhouette t-shirts are pretty awesome.

I have never done this one before but, if you do please let me know how it turned out. I have so much Disney memorabilia I could use! Check out Mickey Decoupage Letter craft.

Calling all Disney Princess fans – These homemade paper dolls are so stinkin’ cute! Grab the printables and tutorials from Red Ted Art.

I don’t know about you, but I love this DIY Disney Pin display idea from Polka Dot Chair. It’s the perfect way to keep them safe when you’re not paying Mickey a visit.

So, let’s face it. There’s really no one size fits all style for Disney ears. That’s what makes this craft idea so much fun! Check out Pretty Providence’s DIY Disney Ears tutorial.

So there you have it! Just a few Disney crafts to get you started! What are some of your favorites? My family and I are always looking for more Disney crafts, please share! Send me a pic and let me know how your crafts turn out, I would love to see!

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

The post 7 DIY Disney Inspired Crafts Worth Doing appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is: What age is best for taking kids to a Disney Park? Although I don’t know the perfect age, I do know my husband and I have taken our three kids on lots of trips since they were babies. Our twin boys went for the first time as infants and are now 6 years old and have been a total of A LOT! Some may call us crazy, and we may be. But, I do know we enjoy it and our kids always enjoy it even more. So with that being said, we have gathered up the “must dos” for preschoolers in every park at Disney World! This will help you make a master plan or itinerary for your upcoming Disney Vacation with your favorite preschooler! Your junior princess or pirate will absolutely adore these ride and attractions. So in no particular order, here are our favorites (and must-do’s on EVERY trip-foru our family)…

Walt Disney World Must Dos: For The Little Ones

Magic Kingdom

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: Let Belle capture their attention with mesmerizing tales of her life with the Beast!
• Peter Pan’s Flight: Come on, what kid (or adult, ME, ME) wouldn’t love this! They can fly!
• Princess Fairytale Hall: Your little ones can visit and meet their favorite princesses! What a fairytale!
• Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theatre: Meet your favorite Mouse and take a pic to mark the occasion.
• Country Bear Jamboree: Your child will love the knee slappin’ good ol’ time with this sing along bear musical.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Who wouldn’t want to ride this cutie? While you wait your kids can play in a play area, so you don’t even feel like you are waiting in line!
• It’s a Small World: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through different countries. You won’t be able to get that song out of your head! You’re welcome!

• Walt Disney World Railroad: This isn’t really a ride but it has four stops in the Magic Kingdom Park. Make sure you take a ride on it at least once. Little boys and trains are always a hit!
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel: Ride like a Prince or Princess aboard a carousel horse inspired by Disney’s Cinderella.
• Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid: Do you have a Little Mermaid fan? This attraction is for you! Located in the new Fantasyland.

Epcot

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends: Take a trip with Nemo and his friends on this fun, low key ride.
• Turtle Talk with Crush: Dude, sit around Crush’s tank and have a chat. He’s totally cool, Dude!
• Journey into Imagination with Figment: Figment takes you on a ride through your mind of imagination.
• Epcot Character Spot: The name says it all. See all of your favorite characters in one spot!
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Take a low key boat ride through Mexico with the The Three Caballeros.

• Frozen Ever After: In Norway, take a relaxing boat ride featuring everyone’s favorite snowman!

Hollywood Studios

• Disney Junior Live on Stage: Do you have a Disney Junior fan? If so, this is the show for you. Go with all of your favorite Disney Junior puppets characters into a magical interactive story and show.
• Toy Story Mania: This interactive 3D ride brings all of the Toy Story characters to life.

• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: This show takes you under the sea with Ariel and all of her friends.
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage: Capture the magic of the movie live on stage.
• Muppet Vision 3D: If you have a Muppet fan on your hands this is the perfect show for you!
• Alien Swirling Saucers: This new attraction is found in Toy Story Land-Hollywood Studios’ newest addition!

Animal Kingdom

• Kilimanjaro Safari: Take a ride on a rugged safari vehicle and take in all of the breathtaking sights and sounds of the African savanna.
• Finding Nemo the Musical: Capture the movie in this must see musical!

• Triceratops Spin: Take a spin on one of these dinos!
• Affection Section: Pet, feed and love on the cutest animals around on Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek: Take a self-guided tour through this zoo-like adventure. Look at all of the exotic animals!
• Na’vi River Journey: Think… It’s a Small World in the World of Avatar. This easy boat ride anyone will love with all of the bright and vibrant colors.
• The Boneyard: Young paleontologists ages 10 and under can participate in prehistoric discoveries and learn more about the extraordinary world of dinosaurs.

I hope this list will help you and your preschooler have a magical time at Walt Disney World! I know it has mine! Remember, we’ve just highlighted the MUST-DOS, but there are other attractions your preschooler will love as well. Are there more that you would add? Give me your thoughts! For more information on all of these attractions go HERE and check it out. Be sure to know about the height requirements before you go!

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

The post Walt Disney World Must Dos: For The Little Ones appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

How Young Is Too Young for Disney?

Walt Disney World has always held fond childhood memories for me, but my family’s first trip almost didn’t happen. Those who know me well will find it hard to believe that I ever balked at a Walt Disney World vacation. We LOVE all things Disney, but planning that first trip really worried me. My son had just turned three and I was so worried that he was far too young to enjoy the magic. I had done tons of research and read tons of blogs and opinions differ so much. I was worried he would be scared of the characters, I was worried he wouldn’t sleep well in a hotel, and I was worried sick over him regressing on his potty training. Worst of all, I had so many people tell me it would be a waste of money because he wouldn’t remember a bit of it.  

A Change Of Heart

With so many worries, you might wonder what changed my mind. Well, my mother was the one who changed it for me. She gave me some great advice that I am going to pass along to all of you now. She told me that the first trip really isn’t about the kids, it’s about making memories as a parent. As always, she was right.  

That trip is one of the best vacations I have ever taken and it’s full of memories that I wouldn’t trade for any amount of money. Were there meltdowns (both parents and child)?  Yes. Were there things that we look back on and wish we had done differently? Sure. Would I have waited and gone when my son was a bit older if I had known then what I know now? Not a chance!  

You Can’t Put An Age On Making Memories

I look back at pictures and videos from this trip often and the memories also play back in my mind frequently.  There isn’t a thing I would change about taking my three year old to Disney… Well, maybe I would have listened and scheduled those afternoon naps every day.  But seriously, those memories will be with me long after my child is grown and gone off to live his own life with his own family.

I will never forget the look of glee on his face when he saw the Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade. He lit up when he saw the bubbles that were “all over the place” as he sat atop my husband’s shoulders.  I won’t forget the sweet moments of my husband and I walking out of the theme parks holding a sleeping three-year old against our chests. I will never forget the precious moment of him snuggled up close to us on Dumbo or Peter Pan’s Flight with my mom and dad riding behind us.  

Magic Is For Everyone

In my mind, I can’t help but think how special it is that I was once that young and enjoying these same rides with my family. Now we are able to enjoy the exact same things with my own children and parents.  My hopes are that when my son is grown, he will also consider taking his young children to “our happy place.” Maybe, just maybe (if I play my cards right), he will ask us to join them in making memories too.  

Should he and his spouse also have reservations about taking their small child to Walt Disney World, I will be sure to remind him that his child’s first trip isn’t always about what the little one will remember. Sometimes it’s all about intentionally making memories that will carry you through days when you need a happy thought.

So, I will leave you with the video above of my oldest son on his first trip to Walt Disney World.  When you see his excitement, I hope it will help those of you who are on the fence about booking a trip with young children.  Although Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade is no longer available at Animal Kingdom, I can assure you that there are so many other parades that your children will adore.  Best of all, I know these memories will be like a sparkle of pixie dust throughout the years ahead.

Why You Should Take Your Kids to Disney World NOW!

What are your feelings about taking small children to Walt Disney World?  Do you think taking the little ones to Walt Disney World or another Disney destination is worth it, even if they won’t remember it?  Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to share your thoughts and tell us all about how your first Disney vacation went.

The post Why You Should Take Your Kids to Disney World NOW! appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

10 Basic Tips for Going to Disney with Little Ones

Okay so…. I am just going to state the obvious in this post. When you go to Disney or anywhere for that matter with little ones you have to be prepared! I have three little ones ranging in ages two through five and we have been taking them to Walt Disney World since they were itty bitty. We have learned a thing or two of what to take and not to bother taking to the parks with us. I know it is different for everyone but, these are the things that work for us. Hopefully, this will give you have an idea of what you may need or start the packing task for your magical Disney Vacation.

1. Take a Stroller:  Duh, this is a no brainer, but you will be surprised the people I see exhausted carrying their one year old or five year old while they are sleeping on their shoulder. Strollers are a great place for your kid to take a nap. Only one out of three of my kids will even attempt a nap in the stroller, but we still take one for the other two, because we don’t want to be exhausted carrying our bundle of joy around while they are tired and cranky. If you have an older child, you be the judge, if you need to bring a stroller for him/her. You know your kid, some can’t take all of the walking, some can. Remember, you are going to be walking A LOT. If you are sore from walking, their little legs will definitely be tired and sore too! Before we bought our own stroller we rented one from Magic Strollers. They were very friendly and professional. Most of all, the stroller was spotless when we received it! Highly recommend!

2. Do not bring Water Bottles: Yes, you read right. Don’t waste the space and extra muscle to lug those bottles around. Water is absolutely free in the parks. I like to take this thermos and get it refilled in the parks. I not only use it at WDW but everyday. I love it! It is a little pricey but well worth it, I promise!

3. Bring formula already mixed up: If you are traveling with infants bring a (whatever size you think you will need) plastic (BPA free, of course) container with formula already mixed up and one bottle. Keep filling up that same bottle. Keeps the clutter down, I promise. Every time we traveled with my twin boys as babies we used this method and it worked great.

4. Take a small lunch and snacks for kids: Take a sandwich and a few snacks for each kid even if you are on the dining plan. Nine times out of ten you will have a child that is hungry when you are not near food or you are near something to eat, just not what they want to eat. This may help get their sugar level up and when you get close to your lunch destination they will be ready to eat again. If they aren’t, oh well, you dodged a melt down at least, that time!

5. Take plenty of Diapers and wipes: No brainer, right?! If you run out though, do not fret. Each Disney World park has a Baby Care Center that is equipped with most everything you will need in an emergency, but at a cost. Try to set your stroller up as a baby changing station equipped with anything you will need, because honestly the Baby Care Center may be on the other side of the park, so you may have to change a “stinky” wherever you are at the time! For more info on Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World go HERE. All my Disneyland peeps go HERE.

Just putting a side note here, for the love of all that is holy please don’t be that family that changes their kid’s diaper on a table in a quick service restaurant. I mean people eat on that! Or out in the open for everyone to see. Look, I get it! I had 2 infants at one time and it is hard to keep your etiquette at all times, but please try! Don’t be disgusting, have some manners!

6. Research the Dining Plan before you go: Do your research on the Dining Plan before you go! The Dining Plan is great, but isn’t for everyone. If you have food allergies Disney does a great job accommodating and helping in any way they can. It doesn’t hurt to research before you go though. There are several allergy-free options for you to choose from so be on the lookout and in-the-know.

7. Bring a Stroller Cover: Not just for keeping your child dry, but for all of the stuff in your stroller dry! Trust me all of that stuff will be better off dry! Check out 8 Tips for Rainy Days in Disney World. It’s jam packed with lots of tips on keeping you dry during those afternoon showers. We use this Stroller Cover, but garbage bags work just as well and take up less room.

8. Take a Portable Battery Charger: You know you will be taking video and pics of this magical time with your kids. Don’t lose that precious battery life and start rationing out what you want to use your battery life on, take a battery charger with you! There are several options out there, even a charger they sell on property at Disney World. It works great and does the job, but just like with anything it has it pros and cons. So, find what is best for you and go with it!

9. Download all of the Disney Apps you need before your trip: It’s just easier that way! Try them out before you go, they may not be what you want anyway. Of course, don’t forget to download the MyDisneyExperience App.

10. Take a great attitude: Mamas and Daddies, I know you spent a lot of money to go on this trip and you want it to be perfect! I get it, I do! But…..wait for it……..it’s not going to be perfect. Your kids are going to have meltdowns. YOU are going to have meltdowns! You are going to get off schedule. The baby is going to poop right when you are about to get on Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s okay I promise! The memories you are making are going to be priceless with and without the unwelcome additions to your schedule. My husband and I have realized that when we chill out and go with the flow, we have a better Disney trip, regardless of how many things went wrong. Usually the things that went wrong end up being the highlights of our trips and the most memorable!

Would you like to add anything? What are your thoughts?

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.
photo credit: Texas.713 Mary Poppins via photopin (license)

The post 10 Basic Tips for Going to Disney World with Little Ones appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

Disney World Must-Dos for Preschoolers

I don’t know the perfect age for your child to go to Disney World, but I do know my husband and I have taken our three kids for a long time and we started them out as babies. All of our kids went for the first time at the age of one. (It just seemed to work out like that.) Our kids are now 7, 4 and 4 and have gone several times throughout the years. Some may call us crazy and we may be. But, I do know we enjoy it and our kids always enjoy it even more. So with that being said, I have gathered the must-dos for preschoolers in every park at Disney World! This will help you make a master plan or itinerary for your upcoming Disney vacation with your favorite preschooler! Your junior princess or pirate will absolutely adore all of these rides and attractions. Here they are in no particular order.

Magic Kingdom

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: Let Belle capture their attention with mesmerizing tales of her life with the Beast!
• Peter Pan’s Flight: Come on, what kid (or adult, ME, ME) wouldn’t love this! They can fly!
• Princess Fairytale Hall: Your little ones can visit and meet their favorite princesses! What a fairytale!
• Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theatre: Meet your favorite Mouse and take a pic to mark the occasion.
• Country Bear Jamboree: Your child will love the knee slappin’ good ol’ time with this sing along bear musical.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Who wouldn’t want to ride this cutie? While you wait, your kids can play in a play area. You don’t even feel like you are waiting in line.
• It’s a Small World: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through different countries. You won’t be able to get that song out of your head! 😉
• Walt Disney World Railroad: This isn’t really a ride, but it has four stops in the Magic Kingdom Park. Make sure you take a ride on it at least once. Little Boys and trains are always a hit!
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel: Ride like a Prince or Princess aboard a carousel horse inspired by Disney’s Cinderella.
• Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid: Do you have a Little Mermaid fan? This attraction is for you! It’s located in the new Fantasyland.
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: Hop aboard this intergalactic space portal and blast away all the aliens and defeat Zurg. Preschoolers love to control the direction of the space vehicle, but watch out for that if you get motion sickness easily.

Epcot

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends: Take a trip with Nemo and his friends on this fun, low key ride.
• Turtle Talk with Crush: Dude, sit around Crush’s tank and have a chat. He’s totally cool dude!
• Journey into Imagination with Figment: Figment takes you on a ride through your mind of imagination.
• ImageWorks: After you take a ride with Journey into Imagination with Figment go and play in the “what if” labs. Your preschoolers can experiment, create and explore.
• Epcot Character Spot: The name says it all, see all of your favorite characters in one spot!
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: Take a low key boat ride through Mexico with the three duck friend Caballeros.

Hollywood Studios

• Disney Junior Live on Stage: Do you have a Disney Junior fan? If so this is the show for you. Go with all of your favorite Disney Junior puppets characters into a magical interactive story and show.
• Toy Story Mania: This interactive 3D ride brings all of the Toy Story characters to life and it adds a little friendly competition to the mix.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: This show takes you under the sea with Ariel and all of her friends.
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage: Capture the magic of the movie live on stage.
• Muppet Vision 3D: If you have a Muppet fan on your hands, this is the perfect show for you!

Animal Kingdom

• Kilimanjaro Safaris: Take a ride on a rugged safari vehicle and take in all of the breath-taking sights and sounds of the African Safari.
• Finding Nemo the Musical: Capture the movie in this must see musical!
• Triceratops Spin: Take a spin on one of these dinos!
• Affection Section: Pet, feed and love on the cutest animals around on Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
• Maharajah Jungle Trek: Take a self guided tour through this zoo like adventure. Look at all of the exotic animals!
• The Festival of the Lion King: This one is hands down one of the best shows on property. Preschoolers will love interacting with the show and the Tumble Monkeys portion is always a hit.

Extra Tips

• For more information on all of these attractions go, HERE and check it out.
• Make sure your preschooler is tall enough for all of the rides you would like to ride before you get there. Check out height requirements HERE.

Hopefully this list will help you and your preschooler have a magical time at Disney World! I know it has for our family! Remember these are the MUST-DOS, there are more attractions for you preschooler, I just highlighted the ones your preschooler would love the most! I hope I haven’t forgotten any, would you add anymore? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to tell us about your preschooler’s favorite ride or attraction or add it in the comments section below.

The post Disney World Must-Dos for Preschoolers appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

We are getting ready for another Walt Disney World excursion and every time we go we have a different packing list, depending on the time of year, length of our stay and how many of us are going. This time my family of five will be traveling to the most magical place on earth, so that means three kids ages five, two and two. So, my packing list is definitely different from when my mom and I went this last fall and not to mention the weather will be slightly different.

Here is a peek into my packing list. I will start this list off just like I do all of my list and posts: Through many trips and trial and error we have found what works for us. These items may not work for you but, tweak them the way you see fit. So with that being said, here goes nothing!

(Keep in mind, these are just highlights that we tend to need with little ones in the month of January at Walt Disney World, not our whole list.)

Clothing

• pants
• short sleeve shirts
• lightweight jacket
• undergarments
• Pajamas
• Socks
• Walking shoes
• Hair bands/ Accessories
• Costumes
• Sunglasses
• laundry soap
• dryer sheets
• change for laundry machines
• Stain Remover
• Shout Color Catcher

Road Trip Items

• GPS/maps/directions
• Paper Towels
• Wet wipes
• Cooler
• Trash bags
• Umbrella
• Snacks/ Drinks
• DVD player
• Movies
• Entertainment for little ones:

1. games
2. sticky notes and pen
3. books
4. new toys
5. blankets/pillows
6. crayola Color Wonder
7. stickers
8. light sabers if traveling at night
9. headphones

Paperwork

• Hardcopy of all confirmations; hotel, rental car, restaurant, extras
• Boarding Passes
• Money; cash/credit cards
• ID
• Insurance Cards
• Theme Park Tickets
• Any medical documents that need to be with you at all times

Food Items

• Gum: not sold at Disney.
• Paper Towels/Disney Napkins
• Ziploc Bags
• Plastic Cups
• Plastic Utensils
• Paper Plates
• Dish soap
• Clorox Wipes
• Bottled water
• Granola Bars
• Bread
• Carrots
• Refrigerated individual fruit bags
• Sandwich condiments
• Sandwich meats or peanut butter/jelly
• Coffee
• Coffee maker if you have a preference
• Milk
• Bananas

*** We like getting food items delivered to our room by Garden Grocer. ***

Medications

• Prescriptions
• Bandaids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antacids
• Pain medication
• Kids’ Pain medication
• Sinus/allergy medication
• Epi pen
• Eye drops

Kid and baby extras

• Sippy cups
• Bottles
• Snack traps
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Pacifiers
• Sound machine for sleeping
• Pack n play *Note: You can ask for one at your hotel or you can bring one with you.
• Stroller * Note: You can bring your own or rent one from Disney or from Magic Strollers.
• Stroller Tags
• Ponchos
• Outlet covers
• Kid ID tags or tattoos

Electronics and Extras

• Batteries
• Camera
• Memory Cards
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• Laptop and charger
• Tablet and charger
• External Battery Charger
• Antibacterial Hand Gel
• Water Bottle or Hydro Flask
• Lanyard and pins for trading
• Collapsible Cooler
• Kid BackPack with ID Tag
• Small fan: It can be used to dry out wet shoes at night or as a sound/noise machine.

Of course, don’t forget your toiletries and Disney Park Bag.

There you have it, a peek into my packing list for our January Disney excursion. This list looks slightly different from other visits we have taken in other months to Walt Disney World. We love visiting Walt Disney World in January with our three littles and January will continue to be one of our favorite months to visit.

Do you visit Walt Disney World in January? What do you take to Walt Disney World in January?

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

The post Packing for Walt Disney World in January with 3 Little Ones appeared first on WaltExpress.com.